Relocating | Islamabad Protest

With the call to prayer and the sun setting fast a hustle bustle starts amongst the gathered faithful – hopeful. Ready to move yet closer to Parliment House in the Federal capital' red zone.

Led by the disciplined followers of Tahir ul Qadri [PAT], the more zealous supporters of he Imran Khan [PTI] follow. Their resting point is outside the Parliament House, Supreme Court and the Parliament Lodges on Constitution Avenue.

Beyond its parameter the lush green grass and serenity of Parliament House couldn’t be further from the chaos on the streets. Constitution Avenue and Jinnah Avenue have been turned into many campsites laden with trucks and articulated lorries carrying industrial steel cooking pots with food for the protestors. Food is being distributed free.

The resilience and commitment of these protestors is extraordinary. Scenes of tents outside the Supreme Court, hundreds sleeping without any cover whatsoever. Many seeking shelter under parked lorries and trailers. Temperatures have been souring close to 40 degrees Celsius.

Now that the two camps of Pakistan Awami Tehreek [PAT] and Pakistan Tehreek Insaf [PTI] have merged it is difficult to differentiate the two. Clusters of colourful umbrellas are visible as far as the eye can see sheltering people from the rain and the sun.

Street vendors provide momentary relief from the blazing heat, selling iced drinks. Generators have been set up to assist protesters in charging their phones.

Farooq is on holiday from Bristol, England. Residing in Islamabad’s twin city Rawalpindi. He has been travelling to join the protest daily. His neighbour at the sit-in has travelled from Abbotabad in Khyber Pakhunkhwa Province.

There doesn’t appear to be an end in sight as both protesting parties and the Government are at loggerheads. Negotiations have started today.

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